Travelogue 16: Japan - The Tiring Journey Part 1

Let's refresh our travelling journey to Japan back in April 2018. So long ago..hahaha..Why it got delayed? When I even think to write or to complete the photobook..I can feel the tiredness..So here we go, Japan-The Tiring Journey

We chose Japan and we were traveling with the kids and elderly. How challenging is that, in and out of train and shinkansen..I would say I still feel the tiredness until now..hahaaha

We as in, 9 of us comprises of 3 kids, my parents, me and hubby, Angah and my brother in law Iqbal (studied in Japan, work with Japanese until now..this is to address how important he is to ensure our travelling plan smooth sailing). These were places that we suppose to cover for 8 days. In short, 

1. Arrival at Narita Airport
2. Whole day for Tateyama Kurobe Alpine 
3. Omicho Market Kanazawa
4. Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
5. Fushimi Inari Taisha
6. Nishiki Market
7. Nara Deer Park
8. Mount Fuji
9. Gotemba Premium Outlets
10. Tokyo Disneyland
11. Akihabara
12. Shibuya Crossing
13. Odaiba

Day 1: Narita Airport - Tokyo Station - Kanazawa Station - Hotel Resol Trinity Kanazawa

Our late night flight from Kuala Lumpur arrived at Narita Airport very early in the morning but the airport was so busy and the super spacious prayer room at the airport almost full with people. Perhaps people from all over the world were super excited to experience the cherry blossom. Sakura season in Japan moves slowly northwards from Okinawa in the south of Japan to Hokkaido in the chilly north and varies by year according to the weather conditions. So we were there in April together with the rest of cherry blossom chasers..

We bought JR pass from klook.com as the promo bargain was quite good. It was an easy purchase, klook just deliver the voucher(exchange order) to your doorstep. But the hassle was at the Narita Airport when you need to exchange it with the real JR pass. The queue was super long. Here's the tip, as soon as you claim all your baggage, straight away go to the JR pass counter (with pen, klook exchange order and passport) while your other travelling companions do the rest. Get into the lane as soon as possible! Me and Angah take charge of the JR pass, Iqbal and my husband managed the baggage delivery (half of the baggage were sent to our accommodation in Tokyo and to be delivered on the day we arrived in Tokyo later), and my parents took care of the grandsons (super active one and luckily not become cranky after long hours waiting, they have the ability to hold their frustration, temperament etc during travelling apparently hahhaha).

7 days Japan Rail Pass

After a long wait, finally we had our pass but we have 5 minutes before Narita Express heading to Tokyo Station depart from Narita airport. So yeah, run with the bags and strollers..luckily half of the bags were left in Tokyo. Arrived in Tokyo station, while we looked around for the ticket machine, Angah and Iqbal looked for take away at Zenmai restaurant at first floor near Marunouchi South Gate. Zenmai sells Turkish lunch boxes that are arranged in Japanese bento style. There are two types of bento available; Kebab bento (980 yen) and Turkey bento (1,100 yen). You will get a rice, kebab beef, sauce, dried apricots and veggies in Kebab bento. While for Turkey bento, you will get Chicken meatloaf, spicy pilaf, dried apricots, rice, beans and a variety of veggies. So that's our breakfast cum lunch in the shinkansen. Too many calories burnt few hours after arrived, yes we were starving. 

Kebab bento

Departed from Tokyo station to Kanazawa..we boarded Hokuriku shinkansen for 3 hours. It was super cozy coach and the bento tasted good too.. Our first lodging was Hotel Resol Trinity Kanazawa. Just a normal hotel, nothing to hype for but we chose this hotel as it's only 10 minutes walk from Kanazawa station. But we took a bus and arrived in 10 minutes as well. Save the energy for the snow wall at Tateyama Kurobe Alpine..hahah..By the way, the hotel provided microwave oven at certain floor and ice making machine as well. So yeah Malaysian food for 2 nights then. Did I mentioned we have 30kg Malaysian food in one of our bag..Yes as always, guilty as charged.

First timer

Day 2: Kanazawa Station - Toyama Station - Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route

Woke up really early in the morning as we need to board the first shinkansen to Toyama, of course to maximize our time at the snow wall. The tickets were bought at Narita Airport as it will be much cheaper if we combine the ticket with JR pass. 

The most awaited moment for the trip, we received bad news at Kanazawa station. The route was close due to snow blizzard. They gave option for us to proceed to Toyama Station but no guarantee that visitors will be allowed to be on-board. Luckily we have Iqbal to discuss in details with the person in charge at Kanazawa Station and he even negotiated for the refund. At least not too bad, we got our money back.

Frustration mode..setting new expectation at Kanazawa Station

So change of plan, we decided to spend our day at  Shirakawa-go & Gokayama. Shirakawa-go and Gokayama are two scenic and secluded mountain village areas famous for their traditional architecture and are designated UNESCO World Heritage sites. Though the villages are actually quite close to each other, and are connected by the Shokawa River, they are within the bounds of different prefectures: Gokayama is located in Toyama Prefecture and Shirakawa-go is located in Gifu Prefecture. Both of these villages can be reached from Kanazawa by bus. 

Shirakawago supposedly looks like this during Spring

We were so unfortunate, the bus tickets were not enough for all of us. Plan C, here we come...

Day 2 (Plan C): Kanazawa Station - Kenrokuen Garden - Kanazawa Castle - Omicho Market - Higashi Chaya District

The weather was super cold (10-12C), riding on JR bus (maximize the JR pass, train or bus all in) to reach Kenrokuen Garden and Kanazawa Castle. Both places are within the same compound. The first thing that we saw as soon as we got out from the bus was the gold leaf ice cream! 

Super soft ice cream. The gold leaf is tasteless btw

Roaming around Kenrokuen garden, suits the name that is translated as “garden of six elements” which refers to a classical Chinese poem that spoke of the six contrasting features for a truly outstanding garden. These essential elements are: extensive space and quiet seclusion, human artistry and old fashioned elegance, flowing water and distant views. According to the poem it is almost impossible to create a garden that holds all six elements in common. However Kenrokuen Garden has it all. With just a small fee (300 yen) for entrance, it's totally worth it especially during cherry blossom!

Perfect Japanese Garden view

There is also a war memorial in the park. The Meiji Memorial was erected to commemorate the deaths of soldiers from Ishikawa Prefecture who died helping to suppress a rebellion in Kyushu. The statue is built in the shape of a mythical Japanese hero called Yamato Takeru who according to ancient legend also suppressed a rebellion in Kyushu.

Next, let's learn some history at the Kanazawa Castle. There are free English speaking tour guide available to bring you around the castle. So who doesn't like free things rite? 

View of Kanazawa Castle from Kenrokuen Garden

Kanazawa Castle, a symbol of the historic town of Kanazawa, represents the prosperity of the Maeda clan, who ruled the Kaga domain (currently Ishikawa prefecture) for nearly 300 years. The rest of the history, I'm pretty sure was no longer in my memory. But definitely the view was amazing! This link can provide the story: https://matcha-jp.com/en/1875

Next checkpoint, eating time! As much as we tried to save our money and eat what we have in the bag from Malaysia, we were like consistently try to eat like local, cook like local to embrace the country's local produce. Staying at the hotel in Kanazawa doesn't allow us to cook, so eating out at Omicho Market sounds good as well. Just walking distance from Kanazawa Castle, the market also known as Kitchen of Kanazawa and it sells wide range of local seafood, fruits and vegetables. 

The famous snow crab

Grilled Seafood Skewers-eat as you go

Not far away from Omicho Market is the Higashi Chaya District. Walking is possible but we took the bus instead. Featuring rows of tea houses dating back hundreds of years, the district is a living example of Japan’s cultural past and a charming setting for visitors. The area has been well-preserved and officially designated as a Japanese cultural asset. Historically a popular entertainment district, Higashi chaya was where geisha entertained wealthy nobility and rich merchants. 

The kids perform as a geisha in one of the teahouse

Day 3 - Kanazawa Station - Kyoto Station - Yoshiya Arashiyama - Arashiyama Bamboo Grove - Halal Yakiniku Naritaya

Checked out from the hotel, from Kanazawa in Ishikawa Prefecture heading to Kyoto. A 2 hours journey via JR Thunderbird Shinkansen. While Iqbal, Abah and hubby managed the baggage and do the check in procedures at our homestay nearby Kyoto station, the rest were taking pictures nearby Kyoto tower with the kids. 

cheeky boy in front Kyoto Station

We had brunch at Yoshiya Arashiyama Kyoto before burning our calories walking in the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. Yoshiya Arashiyama Kyoto is a halal-certified restaurant that serves various authentic Japanese dishes including wagyu shabu shabu.

Delicious meal set at Yoshiyo Arashiyama

The menu

Happy tummy, we walked into the bamboo grove. The 1 hour trek was like walking beneath the towering emerald stalks. Tourists were everywhere hence, it's important to have good angle of photo or else your picture will be you, the bamboo tree and the crowd.

Actual view

With the correct angle

Ended our day with early dinner at Halal Yakiniku Naritaya

Lastly, let's take a glance at our homestay, a typical Japanese house named Sanjusangendo Yukitsubaki Holiday Rentals. Sleep and dine like Japanese.

To be continued...

Travelogue 15: A Five Billion Star Experience - Sunway Lost World of Tambun

It was a long holiday for Malaysian. Combo of Agong's birthday and Awal Muharram. We decided to try new adventure, glamping. There are few glamping sites in Malaysia among others:

1. Sailor’s Rest - Janda Baik (http://sailorrest.com/)
2. Tadom Hill Resorts - Banting (http://www.tadomhillresorts.com/)
3. Tanah Aina Fahad - Raub (http://www.tanahaina.com/fahad/ )
4. Caravan Serai - Bentong 
5. Canopy Tribes - Kota Tinggi (http://www.canopytribes.com/)
6. Tiarasa Escapes - Bentong (https://www.tiarasaescapes.com/)
7. Tanjung Inn - Cherating (http://www.tanjunginn.com/)
8. Time Capsule Retreat - Sg Lembing (https://www.timecapsuleretreat.com/)
9. Chengal Hill Retreat - Janda Baik 
10. Lost World of Tambun (LWOT) - Ipoh (https://sunwaylostworldoftambun.com/glamping)

Camping and jungle trekking are my thingy. I feel that it's time to introduce the new adventures to the boys. Camping sounds too extreme so I've decided to try something hype, close to camping but it's more comfortable. So Glamping it is! I want something that close to nature, adventure-prone but at the same time we can still sleep on a bed. But why I chose to have my first glamping experience in Tambun? Here are some thoughts that I've gathered via Uncle Google.

1. The foremost concern is the toilet. Considered LWOT is under the management of Sunway (big company, big concern on reputation) they might have cleaner toilet than the rest.
2. We have not been to LWOT
3. LWOT has a big water and amusement theme park for the kids..means less boring. The rest of glamping venue only have river, waterfall (possibility of leptospirosis), lake or beach.
4. Tiarasa Escape looks so good in TV ('Rahsia Hati Perempuan' drama series) but it's quite pricey..so perhaps next time..
5. Variety choices of local food inside the themepark, alas no time wasted to try new food or viral restaurant.
6. Most of review on blogs and tripadvisor sounded great.

Proceed with the booking via agoda (you can also book the ticket from the resort website), the price was RM720 for one night inclusive of the 2 days 2 nights themepark entrance ticket and breakfast for 4 pax. Glamping guests are given special buggy to mobilize to and fro carpark, campsite and area inside the themepark. 

We arrived at 12pm, park at the lobby and the buggy took us to the campsite. The campsite is inside the themepark, in the Lost World of Adventure Park beside Lake Boga in between Hippo and Tiger nest. Hahaha. We came back in one piece though.

The kids like it so much

The tent from the outside

The tent was equipped with one queen bed, two single beds, 2 standfans, small locker cum table, long mirror, cloth hanger, towels, toiletries, power socket and towel rack & bench (outside the tent). It's carpeted with non slip floor mat, have ample space to pray and change cloth The toilet was like 2-3 minutes walking distance, clean as expected. Few tiger plush dolls sighted to keep away the campsite from monkey attack.

The toilet from the outside. 

Imagine, brushing your teeth while looking at the mirror facing the jungle

We started our day in LWOT by taking a flight of stairs to a specially built viewing platform, we came face to face with Juwita the hippo. Kimi had chance to feed the hippo and Hafiey refuse (given the chance but too scared of animals). Together in the Hippo Kingdom were the hyenas, fish and deer. And suddenly we were trap with the hippo as the rain pour was so heavy. Lucky us, there's an air-conditioned underground aquarium as our shed. 

The amusement park is not that amusing..but tiger and friends show was great.

The water park is the major highlights. I love the hot spring water park especially the waterfall..and of course the adventure river, which they claimed as the Malaysia’s longest man-made adventure river. We made a great decision to come to LWOT on Friday before the long holiday, the theme park was not busy at all. No crowd, few rounds of cliff raider and tube racer, we had the pool for us..and even the waterfall!

We had lunch at the one of the restaurant in the theme park. For a theme park meal, the price is not that expensive and you can have Ipoh delicious delicacy inside the park. We liked the curry mee! 

Ipoh Street

At night, the water themepark was alive! So we (especially the kids) mandi sampai pengsan..hahhaha. Our first night, we enjoyed the fireshow and before the park close, we visited the Luminous Forest. The Luminous Forest is avatar looks-alike and come with a story of  the mysterious and mystical Malayana tribe.

Luminous Forest

Our night wasn't end there. We have BBQ at the campsite and it's 10pm at night. I forgot to mention that inside the campsite, there is a spacious hut, a common area for all guest. Hot water, coffee and tea are to be served at the common area. So we had our BBQ at the common area as it was drizzling on that night. Otherwise, we can opt for BBQ just outside our tent. The serving was very big i.e. Chicken wings, lamb, fish, prawn, fried rice, salad, sausages and canned drinks.

BBQ for supper

Getting ready to sleep, to our surprise..it was freezing cold in the tent. We told the staff to just standby a portable air-cond (chargeable at RM100) in case the kids cannot sleep. But in actual, we even feel that we should switch off the stand fan.

Waking up on the next day, the kids were ready for the second day of 'mandi sampai pengsan'. But the crowd was different..its weekend so yeah..the 'mandi sampai pengsan' was not as exciting as day before. Annoyed much with the crowded pool, we decided to enjoy the petting zoo. At the entrance of the Petting Zoo, all visitors have to step on a doormat which contains Dettol and acts as a disinfectant. The sanitizers were everywhere.  The way Sunway built the Petting Zoo was so amazing that you don't even notice you are walking around a big circle in between the limestone lush forest. The limestone forest has made the petting zoo looks so natural as if it is without the glass container or barrier, we will forget that we are even the zoo! From a baby fishes (they called longkang fish), hamster, tarantula, snake to big tapir, ostrich and giraffe, they have it all here. It's like the animals galore..

The superb tribe performance at Lost World Petting Zoo

Done with the animals, it's time for the kids to learn about tin industry. Lost World Tin Valley has a Tin Mining area which is equipped with a life-sized palung (sluice box), an original gravel pump monitor and a large area for the kids to experience “Dulang Washing”(Tin Ore Panning) just like the good old days. We even can enjoy eating like the miner too. The setup of the restaurant and the menu at  Dulang Tea House delivers a dose of nostalgia with time-honoured temptations like roti tumbuk, biskut lutut, telur ayam kampung and roti bakar with chicken curry, for a genuine blast from the past.

Eat like miners!

So what's the verdict? 9/10..Major love to this place..definitely will come back. We had a blast here..from the super cool and convenient glamping site in the middle of the natural forest, the pools and hot springs and fantastic animal zoo which I would nominate it as the BEST in Malaysia thus far. Not to forget the setup of the whole theme park which I can see their effort to preserve the nature and forest..Kudos LWOT!